A VINDICATION OF Mr. WELD. WHEREIN, The Case between him and his Opposers, is truly Stated, and the Churchway of Christ soberly Asserted. In Answer to the Aspersions most unworthily cast upon him by Mr. James Cole, Tho: Potts, Tho: Arrowsmith, George Johnson, and Ralph Clavering, (an ill recompense of all his faithful Endeavours for their Eternal good) and themselves manifested to the world what spirits they are of. By a Friend to Truth, and an Enemy to Lies. Psal. 37. 5. 6. Commit thy way unto the Lord: And he shall bring forth thy Righteousness as the Light. Printed in the Year, 1658. A Vindication of Mr. Weld, etc. MAs●er W●ld looking upon this Pamphlet, as a false s●arrulous pitiful piece of reviling; and the Authors thereof so fully proclaiming to the world wh●● spirits they are of (their actions being too conspicuous to all men that know them) could not but pity the poor men's folly, and the hardness of their hearts (being upon all occasions ready to show their teeth at him, though not at all able to by't.) Hereupon, he considering Solomon's Counsel, Prov. 26. 4. Not to answer Fools according to their folly; and that this sorry Paper (to every intelligent Reader) so fully answers itself, that it needs no other P●n but their own to render them and their work odious to the world. Hereupon (I say) he fully resolved to do a● King He●●k●ah his servants, when Rabs●akey had railed and blasphemed, it's said, They held their peace, and answered him not a word, but spread it before the Lord, Isay 36. 21. Yet I standing by, and troubled that such hideous stuff should be wholly let pass, and such men as they gr●w wise in their own conceit, and knowing also in my own Conscience the innocency, integrity▪ and faithful dealing of Mr. W●ld towards these poor ungrateful, and malicious men's s●u●es▪ from his first coming amongst them, even to this day, beholding daily the travel of his soul for their eternal▪ good, had they but eyes to have seen it. Hereupon (I say) my spirit was so drawn out, That I could not be ●●lent, to see these sorry men to act the Fool's part in a Morris-dance, with Bells about his Legs and a Fool's Cap on his Head, to skip, and frisk, and gi●gle, and so make spo●t for them that are as wise as himself. What I shall Write, shall be upon certain and evident knowledge, which shall be ready (if any doubt) to be made manifest undeniably; Yea, what is here set down is no other than is already known to most that live in this place, and must be confessed, and cannot be denied by the Authors of the Book themselves, and most particulars under their own Hands: And so there need no man's name to be set thereto, the things themselves being written with the beams of the Sun. First, I shall briefly show Mr. Wields deal with these men, and their carriage towards him; and then let the honest Reader judge whether he or they be to blame; and whether of them are the Promise-breakers. First, When Gateshead had been long void of a Minister, and none could be obtained to settle amongst them, though many were sought after; Then Mr. Weld (out of the compassions of his soul towards that distressed People, at their instant and pressing requests) accepted the place, although he was at that very time earnestly invited to far more places (as Newcastle, Dur●am, Nottingham, Morley, etc.) yet being sensible of Gate●heads extreme necessity above all the other places named, studied not hi● own case and quiet, but forsook them all, and pitched on Gateshead, although he then saw many sad discouragements lay in his way; as, No house at all to live in, but a mountain of Dung in the place of it; the Hospital houses all ruinous (which cost him dear to repair;) the people far out of order, and without Government, many outcries against the people beating his ears; ye● his compassion to the poor people's souls digested all; (oh, how woefully have these five persons, and some others of them whom they call the four and twenty, answered all this his love?) And what his pains and faithful labours, his loving and patiented carriage towards them have been all along, all the god●y in these parts know. Secondly, But before he would accept the place (behold his honest and plain dealing with them;) For upon a Lord's Day, after his Sermon, in the Pulpit, he declared to a very great audience; That if he took the place, it should be on this Condition, That he would engage only to Preach the Gospel unto them, and Visit the Sick, and that they should expect no other work from him than th●s, (unless he should see cause to Dispense other Ordinances;) no● have cause to say afterwards, (in case he should do no more) that ●e deceived them. This he plainly spoke, and told them moreover, That if they did no● accept of him upon these terms, they should signify their minds to the contrary to him▪ before t●e next Lords day after; and that if they did not so do, he would take their silence for a consent; or else, that h● would turn from them to the right hand, or the left. Now not any one man or woman in that time ever came to him to signify their dis-acceptance; so he took it for an absolute grant, and sat down with them. And this was no Imposture in him, or a project to gain admittance, (a● the Pamphleteers do absurdly, and maliciously suggest;) for its evident, he had the Call to sundry the places in writing at that time lying by him, which, he saith, he will show to any that desire to see them. Thirdly. As his expressions were plain to them; so also their own Call, which in Writing they sent to him under a hundred and fifty hands, was as clear that they called him, only to Preach the Gospel. The words of the Call are these; Sir, We cannot but look upon ourselves in a distressed Condition, and so have been these many years, even as poor Sheep scattered upon the barren Mountains, i● great danger of the Wolf, without food, leader, or guide. And ha●ing; to our great comfort, had a taste of God's gifts in you, whereby we conceive you able and fit to inform, convince, co●vert, and edify our souls in the grace of the Gospel. Hence it is, That we have been stirred up ever since we heard you, and are so still, with many a longing de●●re (that if the will of God so be) to enjoy you, and continue you amongst us. And therefore do earnestly entreat you in the bowels of Christ Jesus, to take compassion on our souls, and to Dispense the Gospel to us: (as for other Enjoyments, and Ordinances, we cannot presume upon, till you shall know us better, and find us fit) which if God shall persuade your heart unto, we shall receive it as a mercy from God, beyond all worldly enjoyments; for which we shall desire to pour out our souls in praises to his name; and do promise, by the grace of God assisting (without which we are nothing) to account your feet beautiful, to yield obedience to the Word you shall dispense from God, and to submit to your wholesome Admonitions, and to all other duties of a loving and willing people; and finally, for to walk as shall comfort your spirit, i● beholding our conversation, that you may see the travail of your Soul amongst us, and rejoice that over G●d brought you to us: Thus we waiting upon God, to put a comfortable answer into your mouth, We rest, Your Affectionate Friends, Thomas Potts. James Matther. R●lph Rutter. Henry Alder. Ralph Thompson. Peter Greene. James Cole. John Atkinson. John Willoly. And above sevenscore more. Here see first, The work they call him to, Is only to Dispe●ce the Gospel, and no other Ordinances, till he shall see them fit. Secondly, What a singular mercy from God, and favour fr●m him▪ they would account his condescension to thi● request. Thirdly. What an obedient people to his Doctrine, how l●●●●g and respective to himself he should find them. But how these Persons named▪ and some others like them, perform their Covenant, let God and Man judge (I speak not of all, for there are many in this p●ace that bless God that ever they knew him, and of whom he hath been heard oft to say, he could live and die withal.) I beg of God, that this very Paper of thei●● be n●t at the great day a swift witness against these Authors of the B●ok, and divers others amongst them, but that they may repent in time▪ and bethink themselves how they have answered their promise to God, and his faithful Minister. Fourthly▪ Yet notwithstanding after a●l these plain and public expressions of Mr. Weld, and the Parishioners engagements under their own bands to expect fr●m him no other Ordinance but Preaching the Gospel behold their deal. Fi●●●, Ralph C●avering (a b●ld and insolent man) breaks the round, and presseth him to Baptise his ●hi●d, which when Mr. Weld very mildly told him, He could not do, and that himself, well knew as much, what bitter invectives, and scurrilous language he gave, would not be seemly to relate. After him came another of the Pamphleteers, George Johnson (though he well knew Mr. Wields mind; yet, that he might have somewhat to object against him) presseth him to Baptise his Child. After their Pipe, some others also Dance, and urge the same thing: And after this, the four & twenty and Church wardens, in their Meetings, and in private also, for many years together (upon all occasions, and without any occasion at all given) ●●ase not to vex, and tire, and tear wi●h words; Mr. Weld upon this very account, spitting their-rage against him▪ because he will not Baptise their Children, and give them the Lords Supper, although he hath oft shown them their C●ll under their own hands to exemplhim. And yet, (which is more) he hath oft told them, that whosoever of them desired the Sacrament (let them but be able to manifest their knowledge, blameless lives, and the work of grace in their hearts) they shall be dear welcome. Fifth●y, Whereas some of these men, and some others, promised Mr. Weld. upon his coming, that his charges should be borne; yet whereas his remove all of Persons and Goods from the Sou●h, by Land and Sea, cost him above thirty pounds; and his Orders for settlement from the Parliament near twenty pounds; they (very fairly) turned the charges upon himself, and ga●e him not one Groat towards all. Sixthly▪ That they may yet further declare to the world who are the dishonest men, and such as breaks promise (which they most unjustly father on Master Weld) take but another instance. At his first coming, they themselves, without any motion of his, offe● him for his better subsistence, a yearly contribution of forty pounds, and bring him a Paper of their own Writing, subscribed with more than ●40 hands for that purpose; the words whereof are these. viz. It hath pleased the Lord now as length to bring his Gospel home to our Doors, and to send us a faithful, able Minister (which is Mr. Weld:) We therefore considering the premises, do freely and faithfully promise for Mr. Wields better subsistence, to contribute to him, so long as God shall please to continue him amongst ●●, these s●mm●s following Quarterly. James Cole 10 s. Tho: Potts 10 s. Henry Alder 5 s. Thomu● Wilkinson 10 s. Nicholas Wilkinson 〈◊〉. And above 〈…〉 the C●ll▪ yet for these many years together break their promise, and Childishly say, It was but for a year, or two, or three, they meant: Only a few that are honest, and make Conscience of their engagements, faithfully observe their Covenant to this day; so that he is a loser near 100 l. by this their unfaithful dealing. All which things (for peace sake, and the Gospel, hoping to win them by love at last) he quietly bears. Seventhly. Mr. Weld being to Administer the Lords Supper to the Church whereof he is Pastor, though he well knew his power to do it in the body of the Church, without ask any man leave, being by his Order from the Parliament, Invested in express terms into the Church itself. Yet for peace sake (knowing these men's spirits) desired their consent, and it was denied. And after at a meeting of the four and twenty, Mr. Hammond joined with him in the same request; but all to no purpose. Yea one of them (as it was reported) said, He wo●ld rather lay his blood under the Communion table, than ●ver give consent. Eightly. Then the Choir being made fit for that purpose, though Mr. W●ld knew the Vestery belonged to him, as his right, and so might have made use of it for any public service: Yet sent the Sexton, to desi●e they might have the use of it at the Administration of the Sacrament▪ to set their Pots, Cups, Bread, and Wine therein for present use; which was expressly denied▪ as the Sex●●n affirmed to their faces, November the 3d. they choosing rather to employ the said room for Lime and Sand, and o●her rubbish, then for the furtherance of the worship of God. Ninthly. And as the Church and Vestery was denied; so (that these men might show themselves perfectly averse to Mr Weld) they let out the Grass of his Church yard one year after another, and received the Rent, and kep● it from h●m by force (yet he not willing to contend, let them alone;) and because they would make sure of the money, take the r●nt aforehand of him they let it to. Yenthly. Wh●rea● the Apostle requires people, to have their Minister in singular l●ve▪ for his works sake: See how these very m●n (viz. James Cole. Thomas Arro●smith▪ 〈…〉, and Ralph Clavering) perform their duty of love. For when a Commission came down the last year▪ for giving in the value of every Living in this County; these men supposing (for so it was given out) that the end of the Commission was. That every Living above a hundred pound per annum, should be leveled to an even hundred pound. These men named, being Jurior● for Gates●ead▪ resolving to give up his Living at 150 l. that so they might deprive Mr Weld of 50 l. p●r annum of it, (though they knew they should thereby deprive all their succeeding Ministers of so much;) which Mr. Weld hearing of, did demonstrate, by showing them all his Leases for b●th Rectory and Hespi●all that the yearly revenue accrueing from both wa● sh●r●●f 100 l. per annum, (and what ever he received more, was upon another account:) yet they he●d their purposes; and that they might act their parts with more confidence) Mr. James C●le sent Mr. Weld a bravado, id est, that he would give him 150 l. yearly for his Living. To which Mr. Weld sent this answer in Writing. Sir, I received your liberal proffer of 150 l. per annum for my Living: But that I may appear more kind to you than you are to yourself, I make you this proffer (and that under my ha●d, that if I go● bacl, you may show it against me) viz. You shall have all my Annual profits whatsoever for 100 l. per annum; and if you and I come ●o confer about it, I'll fall yet lower; make trial of it when you please. Your loving Friend, Thomas Weld. To this he received no answer; But after all, he and the rest went to Durham, and gave it in upon their Oaths. That his Living was worth 150 l. and so they told the Commissioners they effered him for it. All this is upon Record. 11 ●y. Then, still (to gratify Mr. Weld. and make his House the more comfortable to him▪) after all his cost laid out upon the same (besides what was given by the Commissioners, and the ●arish of Gatesh●ad towards it) to the value of 100 l. (which 〈◊〉 is for the good of all their succeeding Ministers, as well as for himself) I say, to make his dwelling the more sweet and comfortable, as a recompense for all his cost for the good of Posterity; they (the 24 and the rest of the Subscribers to the Book) suffer a filthy dunghill (even growing to a great mountain) where all their dung, garbage, and very carrion is laid under his nose, and to his very door, to stink him, (if it may be) out of his habitation; and after many requests made by him, they still let it lie. 12ly. Last of all (to mention no more, though it might be endless almost to set down all their injurious deal) These very Church wardens (he subscribers of this wretched Book) this last harvest (that no injury might be left unattempted) sent to the Parishioners and Mr. Wields Tenants, t● pay him no Tithe, nor Rent. And when some of the Tenants told them▪ they are tied by ●ond to pay their Rent●: They ●ade answer, Th●y would ●eare them harmless. A●l these affronte, losses and damages, hath Mr. Weld patiently induced for the Gospel sa●e▪ fearing to harden their hearts though he knows well how easily he could have right●● himself) ●e having been often heard to say, That he ●op●d to win th●m by love at last. But after all (to the great grief of his soul) he finds their heart's more and more hardened even to this day, against the Lord and him; and, that they may declare this to the world to their own shame they set forth this miserable Pamphlet, thinking to disgrace him, and all the Churches of Christ that walk in the congregational ways; but the dishonour shall woefully 〈◊〉 upon their own heads, and God herein is just, to suffer themselves to vomit out their own shame. Yet such hath been Mr. Wields love to this place, and the good people therein, after all his sufferings from some, That when he was proffered lately (by his Highness) his choice of two as eminent places as most are in all England; he refused all to come again to this place. Now let the Reader judge where the blame lies. Yet again, that there be no mistake; let all know these ill deal are not to be imputed to all in Gateshead, for Mr. Weld counts dear to his soul many in this place (as he hath been often heard to say) not only those of his own Church (whom these scorners say, that Mr. Weld calls only the godly party,) but many others that fear the Lord, many of whom God hath pleased to bless his labours unto. If shame and dishonour reflect upon the heads of these men, let them thank themselves; for better is it that 100 such as they are should justly suffer for their deserts, than one such as Mr. Weld should suffer unjustly, by their malicious mouths and pens. Now to touch upon some other things in this Learned pee●e. First. Who but fantastical men would cunger up such bombasted words, as, Precentor, docked, oecunomie, Aversations, dispotically impellency, contesseration, embrocation caustics, intimidate, fixation. Now whether the absurdity of the Penner of the Book; or the pearking pride of the pretended Authors are more discovered by such Language, I much question; for sure these men, not being guilty of Learning, nor scarce able to Write true English; these high-flowne words, as (all men know) could never be the brats of their own brains: but they must tell the world, that they would feign be counted Eloquent, though to attain this Honour, they show themselves Fools in Print. Secondly, Who but profane and ignorant men, would dare throw such contempt upon the Churches of Christ, as to call them, New ways of gathering Churches: Mr. Wields new Church▪ a seminary of Schism, Contention, Division, Separation; Mr. Wields new garb; Pragmatical Model, like those dreamers in Judas, who speak evil of things they know not. But we leave them to give account to the Lord, for such hard speeches as these ungodly men have spoken against him, Judas, ver. 8. 10. 10. Thirdly. But Mr. Weld denies them a Lecturer to Preach and Administer the Sacraments? Ans. How could that be, when they never presented any man to him that would accept the work? Indeed they said, they would procure either Mr Prideaux. Mr. Cole, or Master Knight bridge; but instead of presenting any of these men, they present a Paper to Mr. Wel● to subscribe (as pag. 3. 4.) such a miserable and absurd Paper (let the Reader per●●e and judge) that (●● Mr. We●d ●old all them) unless he had lost both his wi●● and conscience, he durst n●●er yield to it. For whereas Mr. W●ld hath undertaken the charge of Preaching the Gospel, he must (if he had subscribed the Paper) admit any whom the people should choose: And such an one being c●osen, must be established whe● e●er they desire it; and when once settled▪ (let him Preach false Doctrine be scandalous contentious, etc.) Mr. Weld must continue him in that pl●●e, and must have no power at all to hinder him by himself, or any other●▪ without all the people's unanimous consent: and this m●●t be Mr. Wields resolu●ion, and avowed consent, to ratify and c●●firme, whatsoever the said p●●ple shall thi●k fi●▪ such an ensnaring and irrational Paper, would no wise, or so●er man ever have urged; and it's a Providence, that themselves should lay open their f●l●y, in Printing the Paper; whi●h gi●es Mr. Weld not so much po●er in his own place as the poorest P●t-m●n in the Parish; for he shall have his vote in the Electing and putting out a Lecturer, when Mr. Weld himselve must ha●e nought to do therein. Now this simple Paner, Mr. Weld refusing to subscribe, they cry out. He absolutely refused to grant them a Lecturer; whereas he refused the Paper, not the Lecturer. Fourt●ly. But Mr. Weld faithfully promised to grant the● a Lecturer at the ch●yc●●f the people; and afterward positively denied to do it? (pag 4) A●s. Mr. Weld (being again consulted with about such promise) doth profess (as before the Lord) such a thought never came into his mind, much less, such a promise, ever fell from his mouth; It's infinitely far from his judgement, (all that know him can tell you) and as far from his practice: he stands amazed at their brow of brass, who dare tell such an untruth to the world against their Conscience. It's true, they desired of Mr. Weld, liberty for one to Preach once in a m●neth, and give them the Sacrament; and said, it should be either Mr. Prideaux, Mr. Cole, or Mr. Knightbridge, and no other: His answer was, If s●; they should see there should be no obstructions in him: but they never brought any of them to him to this day. Yea, we hear from credible testimony (who will avouch i●) that all these three men have utterly denied to accept the motion. Yet these Churchwardens, ●oldly, without blushing affirm, they found them wi●●i●g They bend their tongues, like ●heir bow, for lies; but have no courage for the tru●h. ●er. 9 4. Fifthly But Mr. Weld r●f●seth to give them the Sacraments, though he be the Minister of the place. Ans. Yea, and good reason: Shall ignorant, profane; swea●ers, and drunkards; shall Liars and Scorners (as many of these that press for the Sacraments are) be partakers of these holy things, 1 Cor. 5. Rev. 21. 8. and 12. Mat. 15. 7. 1 Cor. 11. 28. 29. No▪ no stand bacl; must not ●eremiah separate the precious from the vile? They speak of 1000 〈◊〉 I say if there were 10000 more, ●et a minister cut off his right hand rather, then hold cut the h●ly Seals to such. It's the weary burden of his soul, that so many of his people are unfit for such Privileges. Sixthly. But this monopolising the Sacrament●, is to fill the ●●lly of Covetousness, and to sacrifice to the Diana of his own profit. pag. 11. 1●. Ans. (A strange paradox,) Would not rather the giving the Sacraments to all, bring in more profit? for then all his Ester B●oks, worth near 20 l. per annum, would come in, of which now not one penny. Then would all their bounty appear to such an Administrator▪ nothing would be too dear for such a minister. Did not one of yourselves lately 〈◊〉 Mr Weld 5 l. per annum, if he would do this w●rk, (though he abhors such base bribery;) and did not all the ●est ●ay, Mr. Weld▪ upon this account, should have any thing what he would desire? Now were not this the way to ●hrive? And yet, it seem●, they wanted matter to render Mr. Weld as a man seeking his profit, when they cunger up an Argument so contrary to common sense. And (I must tell you now) if he were a man that sought his own profit, he would hardly have been persuaded to lay 104 l. about his House, to leave it at the same day he leaves his place; nor quit (so quietly) all his charge promised him about his settlement, nor bear the loss of near 200 l. of your subscriptions under your own hands, when he know● he might so easily recover it: Nor would he have taken in a Lease of his Rectory, which was 80 l. per annum (upon the complaint that through the fall of Corue, they did lose by it) and let it presently for 56 l. per annum▪ (as upon consulting with master wield it did appear●) and as Christopher Sanderson, and Charles M●daleton can testify, who were his Tenants. All which, i● he had not consulted the peace, and the progress of the Gospel, above his own gaire, he would never have done. But to these men, I speak as the Prophet did to Doeg, Psal. 52. 2. 3. 4. Thy tongue deviseth mischiefs: like a sharp razor, working deceitfully. Thou l●vest 〈◊〉 more than good; and lying rather then to speak truth. Thou lovest all devouring words, O thou deceitful tongue. Let such take heed of the next verse. (●er. 5) it prove not their portion. But God shall destroy thee for ever, and pluck thee out of thy dwelling pl●c●, etc. Seventhly. But Mr. Weld Admin●sters the Sacraments, to none of his own Parish, but to eight women, and two men. Ans. If it were so, let these scorners know that ●en godly persons may weigh in the balance against ten thousand others; and ten righteous men can more prevail with God, than three City's, Gen. 19 32. Yea, one Noah, one Moses, one Elias. one Joshuab, one Job, are more in value then millions of s●●rners, liars, and haters of Saints; yea, than the whole rabble world besides: And does these men than make ten godly persons such a contemptible number? When, in the Ark (a Figure of Baptism) God himself put such a distinguishing character upon the number of eight, 1 Pet. 3. 21. Secondly. But do these men speak truth? or a malicious lie, in saying, there were but ten persons Mr. Wield Administers unto in Gateshead; whereas (truth is) i● there were but two more, there would be twenty; and yet Christ himself did Administer the Lord's Supper but to twelve, and here are eighteen even of Gateshead, besides twice eighteen others: But these men's tongues are their own; but the Lord shall cut out the tongue that speaketh proud things, Psal. 12. 3. 4. Eightly. But why doth not Mr. Weld Publish his grounds for his New Church? (pag. 11.) Ans. Where were your ears (I marvel) when Mr. Weld (before ever he would gather a Church) declared at large, at least in ten Sermons, (out of Acts 2. 41. to the end) many clear Scriptu●e grounds to prove the congregational way, the mind of Christ: Yet these men still say, Why doth not Mr. Weld publish his grounds to the world? It seems they were either absent from Church, as too often they are; or Napping, as he often takes them, when these truths were made known. Ninthly. But why doth Mr. Weld cast us lose Stones? as pag. 18. A●s. Oh that ye were but Stones▪ though lose Stones, for God's Church is called an House, and a Building, and Stones (though lose, lying scattered here and there) are, yet▪ fit matter (when gathered together into one body) for a building; and the godly themselves, till united by a holy giving up themselves to the Lord, and hi● people, as, 2 Cor. 8. 5. are but lose Stones; And do ye (who are so far from the show of godliness) disdain to be called lose Stones? I tell you, It● a title too good, a term too high for such as are but mi●● and ●lay yea, rotten bones, and Straw fit for the D●ugh●ll, Isay 10. 6. Isay 25. 10. Ezek. ●7. 1. 2. As for that scornful reproach they cast upon Mr. Weld, as counting himself a Corner Stone; it were horrid presumption for him, or any man so to do, that term being proper to Christ himself, (Psal. 118. 22. 1 Cor. 3. 11. John 3. 10) and far from the spirit of Mr. Weld. I'll only say of them, as it's spoken of a man of th●ir own cut, That he prated against the Apostles with malicious words, so do they against his faithful Ministers. But as S●l●mon saith, Pro. 10. 10. A pra●ing fo●le shall f●ll. Tenthly. But they with much patience and moderation besought Mr. Weld, etc. pag. 20. Ans. If showing their teeth if spitting fire, if reviling, and if turning back upon him, when he was answering of them, and convincing of them; I● these things speak patience and moderation, then have they been ●ull of these graces. B●t oh that th●y kn●w what patience and moderation mean; 〈…〉 leave thus to commend themselves when no g●o● 〈…〉 kno●s them, wil●▪ can, or da●e do i●. El●venthly See how fit for the Sacraments these men are (fo● be●ides all their injurious, ungrateful, and malicious de●ling against Mr. Weld. and the many gro●●e lies and slanders that run all along through the veins of t●i● poo● Book; and be●ides the scandals in their lives, all which, or any of which, were enough to bar them from the Sacrament:) I say, b●●ide● all these, do but take notice of their profound ignorance shown in this Pamphlet (the naming whereof is conviction enough) viz. As first. That the Sacrament should be Administered to all without distinction, pag. ●0. Second●y. Th●t all in general. (for it's taken by them pro ●●●●esso) ●re qualified for the Sacrament, pag. ●1. Thirdly. Th●t every Minister assuming a Pastoral Charge, aught to administer the Sacrament to all by the Laws of God a●d m●n. Fourthly. That there is abo●e 1000 godly people in Gateshead (●or ●uc● as hun●er and thirst after righteousness, are gracious, ●a●. 5. 6. Mat. 5. 3. Psal. 63. 2. Isay 63 2.) and th●s ●hey affirm of a●ove a thousand souls in this Parish. Fif●h●y. Th●● the Sacraments are the most transcendently effectual instruments for redeeming us from all iniquity and sin, p. 17. (oh the gross ignorance and Popery) for this is only applycable to the blood of Christ, and never attributed to the Sacraments, Ephes. 1. 7. John 1. 17. Titus 2. 14. Now if these men be not only profane, but so gross headed that they cannot discern these common truths, which are obvious to every eye that is open; how are they able to discern the Lords Body, which is more spiritual (for want of which, they eat their own damnation:) yet they cry out for it, and Mr. Weld must be hated, reviled, and reproached, because he will not give it. That which follows, is a second Answer to the Book, by another Hand. HAving Read a Pamphlet, lately put forth in the name of the Parish of Gateshead, signed by the four Churchwardens, and Ralph Clavering, who by the Pen of some Episcopal Spirit, have, in a vain vaunting stile, heaped up very many calumnies (and judging them so many Arguments) for promisevous Parochyall Administrations, against the congregational Churchway; I was provoked in my spirit, both for the just Vindication of the holy ways of Christ, and for the clearing of the name of that much wronged, though very useful servant of the Lord Jesus, Mr. Weld, to discover the sinful pleas of that vain painted Pamphlet. I shall only apply myself to that part of the Book, which consists of twelve Sections, and fourteen Queries, considering that the other part, being matter of fact, is faithfully, and fully answered before. In the entrance into the Sections, you have this Title, Diotrephes; or, Altar contra Altar. It's well known to any that have Read Smectymnum, against Bishop Hall, or any other Presbyterian Writers, about that place of the 3 of john 8. 9 that Diotrephes was not blamed for giving the Brethren their liberty in Church-votes purchased by the death of Christ; nor denying those that were no Church-members the peculiar rites of Church's; but for usurping pre-eminence above his Brethrens; not that I conceive the Presbyterians grant th● Brethren a Vote; but to clear the ignorant application of that Title to Mr. Weld, by them that pretend, pag. 8. to know the judgement of all Learned Divines: And for Altar contra Altar, would they have their old Episcopal Altar up again? the book smells rank of that design▪ but let them know, That as the gathering of the Saints into a body, is no setting up an Altar, but, building an hous● for Christ; so their Altar was long ago destroyed, at the pulling down of Episcopacy; they knew who made it a place of lim● and rubbish since. In the first Section, you have them asserting three things. First, Their being loath to perish tamely. Secondly, How Master Weld hath raised their spleen. Thirdly, What great attainments they have reach in the mysteries of the Gospel, and Divine Grace, and that upon account of their Baptism. To the two first. I might justly Answer by way of Exclamation, Why will you die! and why will you die in a rage! must you needs die of the spleen? Friends when you come to die, c●ll to mind, that it is not the want of Sacraments will be your ruin (for you would but have eat and drank your own damnation, if you had them in the frame you are in) your ignorance of Christ, and opposition to him will be your ruin, if the Lord do not change your hearts. For the third. Y●u● gle●●i●g in your attainments; First, you say, you are Proselytes of justice; Do you know what you say or whereof you affirm? Read the description of Proselytes of justice in Scripture, and then judge what you have said; they were such as Cornelius, and the E●●uch, they were devou● men, Acts 2. 5. ch. 10. 2. 7. ●en fearing God, Acts 13. 16. religious men, Acts 13. 43. Now (Reader) if thou knowest the●e men, judge whether they be such Proselytes. As for the seven Precepts of Noah given to the Proselytes of the ga●e, I wish they either understood them, or practised them; but pretenders will be high flown. But they speak of warmth, and gleams of grace that they have had; take heed of lying to the holy Ghost; what means so much power of the stony heart, and profane life, if there have been such melt of Divine Grace? please not yourselves with words grace is a transforming thing. 2. The second Section cries up the old Laws of England, for promiscuous Administrations; as if the house of Christ in Church work in times of reformation, must be squa●ed and governed by old Statute Laws. I wonder what Laws of 1 Edward 6. or 3 Edward 6. or 1 Elizabeth, established Presbyterian Government, which these men pretend so much to; If you put these Laws in force, you must have Bishops', and Spiritual Courts, and Common Prayer; but Onions and Garlic will do enough with these men. And for the Scripture quoted to prove Ministers bound to give the Sacraments to all the Parish. Did ever the Apostles writ to a Parish Church? True, the Sacraments are indeed annexed to the Office of a Minister, but to be dispensed only to the Flock of Christ: for that place of Mat. 28 19 it is only for Baptism, not for the Lords Supper; and not for Baptism to all, but to such as by ●eaching are first made Disciples, as the Original word hath it. For Ma●ke 14. 22. it is for Christ's giving the Supper only to his Disciples; Are these men, and all the Parish such? are they all of Christ's Family, and Disciples? for A●ts 2. 41. (another of their quoted Scriptures) its spoken of Baptising such as gladly received the Word. O that these men, and the Parish of Gateshead were such! But is violent opposing the Word, a glad receiving of it? And for Titus 1. 7. its full against them, for it tells us the Duty of a Minister to be as God's Steward; and if God● Steward, he must be faithful, as 1 Cor, 4. 1. 2. now faithfulness lies in dispencing what provision is under his hand▪ to such of the Family as Christ his Master commands, Now to whom will Christ have the Sacraments dispensed? why, let himselve speak, Mat. 7. 6. Mat. 15. 26. Mat. 14. 2●. and let his Apostles speak, Acts 2. 42. 1 Cor. 1. 28. really, such horrible abuse of the Scriptures, is enough to make them blush. In this Section, you have many fantastical words, pr●●entor, despetically, Pragmatical model; but what is their plea? That either Mr. Weld must give h●th the Sacraments to the Parish, or else he acts contrary to the judgements of all Learned Divine,, and the Constitutions of all Christian Churches. It pities me to see, hujus farina homin●s, to talk at this rate; were Dr. Ames, Mr. Cotten, Hooker, Shepheard, Owen, Goodwin, Burroughs, etc. neither Divines, nor Learned? nay ve●y many of the godly Presbyterian Minister's give the Lords Supper but to a few in a numerary Parish n●t to a hundred, where there is a thousand in the Parish. But M. Weld acts like the Phylar●ha amongst the Jews. Ans. If you knew any thing of Church-government, you would know. That Congregated Churches are not modelled like jewish Sa●h●d●im●. Christ will one day clear M. Weld of Prag●aticalnesse, in distinguishing the precious from the vile, jer. 15. 19 3. The third Section pretends, That unless they offer violence to their judgements, they cannot Communicate with master Weld; or that the fault of their not coming under the yoke of Christ l●y onel● in their understandings. But alas, their corrupt w●lls, and carnal affection's, makes them cast the cords of Christ from them. But they will not give up their Eyes to the Priest's in Sacrifice. Truly, I am so●e afraid, ●●●y have Eyes and see not; yet s●ch as they, would do well to give their Priest's their Eyes, who if they had their wills, would only have blind guides, howe●er they think to get a name▪ by pretending respects to some gracious Presbyterian Ministers: Truly Friends, you are so far from giving M. Weld your Eyes, that I am afraid you would be more likely to p●●l out his Eyes, if you could. 4. In the fourth Section, they have the said plea in other words; O that they would a little think of that of Christ, Ioh● 7. 17. If any man will do his will, he shall know the Doctrine whether it b● of G●d: men's vicious lives corrupt their judgements; if their understandings be so good, as they wou●d make the world believe, I hearty wish, their lives did express the truth of that axiom, Volu●tus seq●itur dictamen int●llectus, if quoad exercitium only. But master Mr. Weld quarrels, because you cannot believe many things which he chanceth to believe: No Friends, you flatter yourselves, and wrong him; his controversy is, because you will not believe in jesus Christ. And for your saying, Mr. Weld chanceth to believe, how you chance to come by the faith you have, I know not; but I am persuaded Mr. Weld his faith is of the operation of God. 5. As to the fifth Section, where you would insinuate, Mr. Weld his not obliging you to a compliance; Mr. Weld his obligations have been many to the people of Gateshead; but disingenuous spirits strive to shake off obligations; but what ever ungrateful men think, yet there are several precious ones in Gateshead, who judge themselves for ever b●und to the Lord for his coming thither. And for your shuffling interpretation of that command, Live peaceably with all men; lay that of Hosea to heart▪ chap. 4. 4. This people are as they that strive with the Priest: But they say, the command extends but to a Moral, or Legal possibility. Friends, are you Morally or Legally uncapable of peaceableness? I● it not possible for you quietly to wa●te till the Lord fitted you for Sacraments, by some effectual work upon your hearts, and in mean time be peaceable? 6. To your sixth Section, you affirm, You have examined the grounds of the congregational way. I believe your Conscience will fly in your face, and tell you, how li●●●e you have examined the mind of God in those things; no, (I am afraid) other things fill your heads, and hearts: If ever you intent to know the platform of God, First read that of Ezeki●l with broken hearts. chap. 43. 10. 11. 12. and does the engagement to jesus Christ, and his people, deter you from Communion? I am sorry to see h●ly engagements affright you from obedience to Christ. But Mr. Weld mad● no Publication of his gathering a Church. Sure Friends, the Penner of the Pamphlet (who ●ver it was) did not advise with you about it: or else you could, and would have told him. That he Preached at large, and that Publicly in Gateshead meeting place upon Gen. 2. 41, 42▪ 43. and that before the gathering of the Church; but here is not ignorantia pura negation is, but brave dispositiones; I pray repent of this: Yea, But he retarded a great while before he gathered the Church. Wonder not at it, Churches of Christ are not made up of the rubbish of Parishes; he would take time to know what stones were to be laid in the building: Churches are not heaps▪ but made up of precious stones. And, for the bemoaning your straits, it is but Gods hedging up your way, that you cannot have your other lovers, Hosea 2. 6. 7. 7. The seventh Section is filled with ignorance and malice. Did Christ leave his Body and Blood to be ●od under so●t by profane hearts? Symbola Chr●sti, were never intended for a Linsey Wo●sey Contesseration; Mr. Weld is more tender of the dear blood of his Christ▪ and of poor souls, then to let the people eat and drink their damnation; And for the ●●nful▪ slanders o● the good ways of God, calling them, a Seminary of Schism, etc. this is th● old Popish alarm ●gainst all Reformation. And for your Monopoly, I would desire you to learn That a Church is a City gathered out of the World, with its spiritual Privileges appropriated to it, Ephes. 2. 10. You close the Section with a very fal●e charge of Ambition, and Covetousness, as the Principles of Independency. But his Friends know, and his Enemy's might know, how many reproaches, and what injuries in h●s maintenance h● hath suffered, upon the naked account of gathering a Church in Christ's way: Surely, he sat down and considered what virulent, and violent calumnies he should meet with by following Christ in this way, which he now finds. 8. This eighth Section is f●ll of the Serpent's venom and bitterness. The Violence and Oppression exercised towards him in p●int of maintenance, might have st●pt the mouth of those clamours, if it had been considered: And if the Church (over which h● is Overseer) do endeavour in his suffering, upon their accounts▪ to encourage him in his multiplied labours of frequent Exercises and Administrations▪ let not your Eye be evil, because theirs is good. I wonder you should call gathering a Church out of a promiscuous multitude, plurality of Live. Do not even the godly Presbyterians so? Do not many of them leave ou● the far greater number of the Parish? If argumentum ad hominem would prevail, this might do. 9 Ninth Section, Here appears much unmannerly reviling of a Reverend Minister of the Gospel, whom you charge with personal contumacy. Oh Friends, Why hath Satan filled your Hearts? But what's the matter? Mr. Weld will not break Spiritualll Bread with the Parishioners; Is this personal contumacy, that he will not let the unclean into the Temple? That he will not let the Goats into the Fould of Christ? But it breaks the Peace of the generality of the People. We had better want peace, then Crucify the Lord Jesus afresh; What! prostitute the Body of Christ to keep peace with profane men; Read Luke 12. 49 10. Tenth Section. What Mr. Wields Call was, you have at large declared to you, which, in truth, was a good hand of Providence, for the stopping of the mouths of unreasonable men. And for their quoting the Statute of 13. Elizabe●h● they forget, they profess themselves Presbyterians, a thing Queen Elizabeth and her Council could not bear. Were the Laws of Episcopal Administrations a burden to the non-conformists then? and shall we be brought under those yokes now? And for receiving the maintenance arising from ●he place▪ he hath a warrant from Christ, 1 Cor. ● 14 The Lord hath ord●ine●, that they which Preach the Gospel▪ should live of the Gospel. But to Answer to the tenure of your Quaerie, that he is bound to Administer the Sacraments; then, I ●ay there are upon twenty members of the Church who are Inhabitants of Gateshead, to whom the Lord hath abundantly blessed his Ministry, to whom he doth Administer; and doth not he herein perform the spiritual ministrations in Gateshead? But you charge him with an un●heologicall plea. I pray you give me leave to ask you four Churchwardens, whi●h of you have been Bapti●ed into the profession of Theology, or matriculated into any University; but I am apt to think, that you ploughed with a Theological Heifer, who might have expounded this Riddle to you, that not to give the Sacrament to all the Parish, is no deprivation of a Ministers maintenance. 11. Eleveth Section. Here you have a fardel of fine spun words, and an heap of railing. Know Friends, That those that can neither make faith in Christ, nor holiness in conversation, shall never go (notwithstanding their pretended wedding garment of Baptism) in the day of trial, for a Spouse of Christ. I wish you remember, That for all the jews pretence, to bring a Church upon the account of an initiating Ordinance; yet they were not let into the Church of Christ, without pricking at the Heart by the Word. Can Mr. Weld see you pricked at the Heart, how dear and welcome would you be to him? You tell him of Embrocation, caustics, and Excision; sure you would tell the world what Empirics you are; but if you have any Latin▪ remember, That immedicabile vulnus anse reciden●um est. And for his Excommunicating a thousand souls; he professeth to have nothing to do in point of censures with them that are without. No, no, your being Parishioners of Ga●es●ead ●ath no Scripture warrant to make you members of a Church of Christ: it is not habitation makes a Spouse of Christ. How many Enemies of Christ lived in jerusalem where the Church lived, and were not members? Shall Papists, and Atheists pre●end, because they dwell in Gat●shead, to be Church-members? That gross untruth of there being but ten Inhabitants in Gateshead, members of his Church, is fu●ly answered before. 12. Twelfth Section. Here you have the business of the Lecturer to be imposed upon Mr. Weld. Let me a little open the unreasonableness of this Proposal, let any gracious, sober Minister of the Presbyterian judgement put but this case, Whether he having gathered the best of the People of his judgement out of his Parish for Fellowship and Communion in the Lord's Supper, that if the remainder that lie still in their ignorance and opposition (to whom he neither can, nor will Administer the Lords Body) should desire a Minister beside himself in that place to give them the Sacrament at the accustomed times, as they here express it? Whether (I say) he would think it reasonable that they had their desires? this is Mr. Weld his case. Secondly. Look but to the Assurance required about placing a Lecturer, p. 5. where it is demanded, that Mr. Weld give it under his hand never to meddle in the choice or removeall of the Lecturer, what ●v●r h● may prove. Were there ever such Iron yokes put upon a Reverend Minister of Christ? and yet, what reproache● did Mr. Weld (upon the sober reasoning in this case) meet with as these men's hands? I come now to examine the Queries; only first, I beg a word to those that are looking after God in Gateshead, and are not yet Church-members, whom I know detest having any hand or consent in this sinful Pamphlet. I humbly desire God, that the stumbling-blocke that these men have cast in their way, may not in any manner prejudice their spirits against the Gospel. To your first Quaerie, I answer, That Jesus Christ in his providential committing the care of souls to men, doth not authorise the Minister to prostitute his precious Body and Blood to the profane and ignorant; nor expects he should dispense privileges to those that will not come under the yoke of Christ. If Mr. Weld have faithfully revealed the whole counsel of God to the people of Gateshead (as I verily believe he hath) and if he dispense the Sacraments to those that come under the order of the Gospel, than he may comfortably appear in the day of his accounts; only let me desire you to study that place you quote, Heb. 13. 17. and think your so often grieving of him, how unprofitable it will be to you in that great day. To your second query. Wherein you cry up the greatness of Sacramental mysteries. I answer, That the reason why M. Weld dare not Administer Baptism and the Lords Supper to the profane multitude, is, because they are such glorious mysteries; Procul este prophani: Shall they that cannot discern the Lord's Body partake of it? As for your calling the Sacraments, Instruments of redeeming you, you speak ignorantly, the Blood of Christ only can redeem. Where are Sacraments said, to red●eme? Did the Bread, or Wine, or Water die for us? Seals they are of the Covenant of Grace, and so to be dispensed to those that are in Covenant. And whereas you call them purifying, know that polluting of Ordinances, it not the way to purify hearts. To your thir● 〈◊〉▪ as for denying the Sacraments to the multitude; what ever be the event, he walks by the rule of distinguishing the p●●t●ous from the vile. And for your fears, surely the withholding them from the ignorant, is a more likely means to bring them to a sight of their unworthiness, than the letting them eat and drink their damnation, whereby (if infinite me●cy did not step betwixt) they would be sea●'d to destruction To the fourth query, the discipline of Christ is part of the faith once delivered to the Saints, this distinguishing carriage to saints and others, hath Scripture, Precept, and Practise for it; one pi●ce of Christ's last will was, to observe all that he commanded us. To your fifth qu●. That of Christ, Mat. 18. 17 is spoken of a particular Church to whom he hath committed the power of censures; and a● for the Parishioners that are not gathered into the Church; the Church neither doth nor can exercise power over them, they leave them to stand or fall to the Lord. And for members acting singly▪ there is no such thing in Church work; but I am ready to bele●ve, that the Compos●● of these Queries, is not much acquainted either with the Principles and Practice of the Church way; or with the mind of Christ. Your sixth query would persuade the world, That it is only your difference in ●udgement keeps you out; when alas, they that know you, know it is your ●gnorance of the Lord Jesus, and your lose conversations keep ●ou out; ask no more Whether it be Mr. Wields care or kindness, it is his faithfulness to Christ that keeps you out. Your seventh query is the same with the sixth only you ask further Whether Mr. Weld his damning of you be matter of conviction. Take heed, his frequent plain, and faithful dealing with you in his Public Ministry, denouncing wrath to impenitent sinners, do not rise up in judgement against you. Will ye not hear the Law? see that of Isay 30. 9 10. 11. This is a rebellious people, lying children, children that will not hear the Low of the Lord. Which say to the Seers, See not, speak unto us smooth things. To the eighth query, Jesus Christ hath told you, That his Ministers have power to bind and lose; was it not usual for the Apostles to intimidate their prey (as you scorners speak) by declaring the greatness of the people's sin, and the wrath of God due to it, Acts 2. 36. 37. 16. 30. to let people understand the authority Christ hath invested his Ministers with. For your being lead into temptation, there is no great fear of your having Mr. W●lds person in admiration, who so vigorously sets himself against your sins. To the ninth query▪ Mr. W●ld his naming the common multitude of the Parish lose S●ones, was in reference to the dispensing of Privileges which belong only to the Church of Christ, which is built up a spiritual house. You still dream, He longs for your fixation in the Church over which he is a Pastor; alas, you would be burdensome Stones▪ and Stones of offence in it▪ never think that such unhewn stones are fit for Christ's building, or shall ever be acceptable to Mr. Weld▪ or that Church. To the tenth quarie, Know that Preaching the Gospel to the people, is the great work he was sent to do, 1 Cor. 1. 17. The Commissioners at White hall, do not send men to give the Sacraments; but only to Preach▪ leaving them to their light in the Lord, as to other Administrations; nay promiscuous Communion, is an offence to them. And, for his maintenance for Preaching the Gospel, what says Paul, 1 Cor. 9 14. The Lord bathe ordained, that those which Preach the Gospel, should live of the Gospel. Besides, your Consciences cannot but bear him witness▪ that he faithfully declared at his first coming, That he could not Administer till he saw you fit; and this you all accepted of. And for denying his Tithes, you show your spirits and affections towards him; bu● the Law must be your Rule, and not your Will. To your eleveth query. It speaks much froth and Atheism, the Lord will one ●ay declare, who are the Sheep and the Goats. Reproaching of the goldy is the brand of scorners; No matter whether any other Religion can make expiation for the failings of saints, so the blood of Christ do it; but know, that your revile, God takes notice of; and scorners are the worst of sinners, as Psal. 1. 1. To the 12. If your irregular proceed in your Offices make good men shake off your yoke, thank yourselves; whilst you do cry up Saints for seemingly holy, its sad, you do not so much as pretend to holiness. And whilst you compare others to Absalon, consider who are the rebellious children, Isay 30. 10. whilst you strive to divest the good old man, you● iniquities have found you out. To the thirteenth. Alas, your land marks are usurpations, ●●akes of your own fixing, no plants engrasted by the Law, and no marvel if they be so easily pulled up; it's not fit such brambles should Rule, that scratch and tear their Neighbours. To the fourteenth. To see an holy life, and guess at future hypocrisies, shows little Christian Charit●; he that begun a good work in them, will perfect it to the end, Phil. 1. 6. Reader, I have been the shorter in Answer to the Queries, because they are generally the former calumnies raked up into Questions; and here I might put many antiquaeries. Only a word to the P●n●er, before I take off my Pen. Friend, If thou bee●● a Christian indeed, I'll assu●e thee, this pleading for wickedness, to weaken the hands of a faithful Minister of Christ, and hearden the hearts of the profane, will cost thee much running to the B●ood of Christ, and some tears, before thou diest. The foul blots thou hast ca●t upon the Churches of Christ, and Mr. W●ld, must be washed out I assure thee. If thou be'st not a Saint, than it had been better for thee, that a mill▪ stone were hanged about thy necks, and thou thrown into the Sea, then that thou should offend, not one, but many little ones; thou hast treasured up wrath against the day of wrath; the Lord ●ay not this sin to thy Charge. FINIS.